Palmeiras President mocks Neymar, remarking, "We are not a medical department"

Palmeiras president Leila Pereira has shut down rumors of the club signing Brazilian footballer Neymar, citing concerns about his persistent injury problems. The Al-Hilal forward, who moved to the Saudi Pro League last summer, has suffered multiple setbacks, including an ACL tear in October 2023 and a recent hamstring injury that will keep him out for four to six weeks. "He's a great player, but he's going to Santos. I don’t know, you'd have to ask Santos, but not here, he wouldn’t come. I want to invest in someone who can play immediately, who could start tomorrow if the coach chooses. Palmeiras isn’t a medical center. I won’t accept a player signed by Palmeiras who isn’t ready to play right away," Pereira told UOL. Reports suggest the 32-year-old may leave Al-Hilal by January 2025, with his childhood club Santos reportedly preparing an offer. Al-Hilal will assess Neymar's fitness before making a decision on his registration for the second half of the 2024-25 season when he’s expected to return in January.